ANTIQUE 20thC CHINESE EXPORT TU QING YUN SOLID SILVER DRAGON TEA SERVICE c.1900
20th Century Chinese Export silver five piece tea set on tray, comprising of teapot, sugar bowl, milk jug, waist bowl, sugar tongs and tray. Each spherical body is beautifully hammered surface decorated with bamboo leaves and cherry blossom, each piece rests on a decorative skirted foot and applied with an intricately modeled dragon handles and finials. Hallmarked Chinese Export silver marks (900+), Maker's mark Tu Qing Yun.
Reference Number: A5265
DESCRIPTION
Antique early-20th Century Chinese Export solid silver five piece tea set on tray, comprising of teapot, sugar bowl, milk jug, waist bowl, sugar tongs and tray. Each spherical body is beautifully hammered surface decorated with bamboo leaves and cherry blossom, each piece rests on a decorative skirted foot and applied with an intricately modeled dragon handles and finials. All the dragons have five claws, symbol of Imperial power, round cartoches engraved with initials - WRL. The tray boarder decorated with battle scenes and center engraved with dragon chasing the pear of wisdom.
All pieces Hallmarked with Chinese Export silver marks (acid tested shows a 900+ standard), Maker's mark Tu Qing Yun, active in Jiujang, from 1895 until 1940.
While this is not an often seen makers mark, it has become clear that it was a later branch of Tu Mao Xing, probably a son or other relative - a normal practice among manufacturing and retail silversmiths. It also seems reasonably clear that the control over style and quality that was exerted over artisan workshops by Tu Mao Xing continued as a form of central control that covered both retail entities.
Tu Mao Xing, was active in Jiǔjiāng, Jiangxi Province, from 1880 until 1930. The silversmith is considered one of best Chinese Export names (please see A. Von Ferscht, Chinese Export Silver 1785-1940, 5th edition 2015). Professor Von Ferscht correctly identified the mark and considers Tu Mao Xing one of the first silversmiths operating in Jiǔjiāng and an authentic "master of dragon-making". Tu Mao Xing (previously known as Han Mao Hsing) made some of the highest auction results in Chinese silver objects.
CONDITION
In Excellent Condition - No Damage.
SIZE
TEAPOT
Height: 15cm
Width: 25 x 14cm
Weight: 510g
SUGAR BOWL
Height: 12cm
Width: 17 x 11cm
Weight: 275g
CREAM JUG
Height: 12cm
Width: 13 x 10cm
Weight: 210g
WAIST BOWL
Height: 6cm
Width: 9cm
Weight: 270g
SUGAR TONGS
Height: 9cm
Width: 13 x 9cm
Weight: 35g
TRAY
Width: 63 x 39cm
Weight: 2260